St. Genevieve

Saint Genevieve

Virgin

Genevieve was born around the year of Our Lord 422 in a small village near Paris called Nanterre. When she was just seven years old, the Bishop St. Germanus made a stop in the village, where he prophesied Genevieve’s sanctity and confirmed her consecration to God as a holy virgin. She later took the religious habit, and after the deaths of her parents she lived with her godmother in Paris. There Genevieve practiced almost unceasing prayer and fasting, worked many miracles, and instructed other consecrated virgins. Many people doubted Genevieve’s holiness, especially her frequent visions, but her enemies were eventually silenced thanks to the influence of St. Germanus, and she was venerated by all after she saved Paris from Attila the Hun by encouraging the people to do penance and pray for deliverance. She later guided the city through a siege by caring for the sick and wounded and influencing the occupiers to be merciful. Genevieve died in the early 6th century, and immediately many miracles occurred at her tomb. Her intercession protected Paris for centuries afterwards, and to this day she is beloved as patroness of that city. Most of her relics were destroyed during the barbaric French Revolution, but a few still remain.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for January 3rd

THE Octave of St. John, apostle and evangelist.

At Rome, on the Appian way, the birthday of pope St. Anterus, who suffered under Julius Maximinus, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.

The same day, St. Peter, who was crucified at Aulane.

In Hellespont, the holy martyrs Cyrinus, Primus, and Theogenes.

At Caesarea, in Cappadocia, St. Gordius, centurion, in whose praise is extant a celebrated discourse, delivered by St. Basil the Great on the day of his festival.

In Cilicia, the holy martyrs Zozimus, and the notary Athanasius.

Also, the Saints Theopemptus and Theonas, who suffered a glorious martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Padua, St. Daniel, martyr.

At Vienne, in France, St. Florentius, bishop, who was sent into exile and consummated his martyrdom, in the time of the emperor Gallienus.

At Paris, St. Genevieve, virgin, who was consecrated to God by St. Germanus, bishop of Auxerre, and became famous for her admirable virtues and miracles.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.